It was always going to take a moment of magic to win this match. Duane Vermeulen produced it.
South Africa have made it to the last four of the World Cup after beating Wales 23-19 at Twickenham.
The Springboks, who lost their tournament opener to Japan, trailed 19-18 before Vermeulen stepped up.
The new Toulon signing picked from the back of an attacking scrum and dished a sublime offload to Fourie du Preez. The Boks scrum-half did the rest as he dashed in a try in the corner.
It was a harsh finish for Wales after they led at half-time and going into the final 10 minutes.
Dan Biggar had tipped the match on its head midway through the first half, with a superb up-and-under take that set up a try for scrum-half Gareth Davies.
Wales were leaking breakdown penalties, though, and immediately gave up the lead after Biggar’s successful conversion.
The likes of Dan Lydiate and Sam Warburton upped the ante as the half came to a close and, after Biggar had struck a post with a lengthy penalty, they fashioned once last scoring opportunity.
It had been well noted, before the match, that only three drop goals had been scored from 11 attempts across the entire series of pool matches.
Biggar landed a sweet one before the break and Pollard answered back, on 50 minutes, to cut the Welsh lead to 16-15.
Penalties were traded between both sides before Vermeulen sealed the game with his heavenly assist.
TRY! du Preez breaks Welsh hearts #RWC2015 – brought to you by @SamsungUK | #SamsungRugby http://t.co/bYAbSFavXg
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) October 17, 2015
